My BF and I were debating this. He says it is insulting to the restaurant to walk out without ordering if we go to a place for the first time and discover it's very pricey. Sometimes it's hard to tell what it will be like until we go inside. I think it's okay to be honest with the server and just say it's more expensive than we budgeted for. What do you think? What is the correct ettiquette, if the menu is not posted at the door?
2006-08-13 03:27:28 · 38 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I'd say you have the right to leave. If it's too pricey, just tell the Maitre'd on your way out if your so concerned. In fact, you probably should let them know in some way, but not just to not be rude. They may assume your server scared you away. You wouldn't want them in trouble coz their boss is greedy, would you?
Addendum: Just checked with a friend......hostess at a restaurant here........ she says that any restaurant that you are unfamiliar with is more than happy to hand you a menu before seating. This helps in many ways: 1. They can seat others while you look over the menu. 2. If you see an appetizer you like, they'll start it now so it won't take so long to get to you. 3. If it's too pricey, or you don't see anything you'd eat, neither party is embarassed. 4. If you do decide to stay, you'll have a better idea what you want to order, your food comes earlier, you leave sooner, and they set the table for the next couple faster. Basically, it helps the whole process move along so they can get more money by having more people in and out.
2006-08-13 03:34:04 · answer #1 · answered by Ananke402 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
your best idea when you walk in before being seated, is to tell them that you havent been there before and you would like to see a menu. Normally they dont have a problem with this. You can both take a look at the menu, and decide from there. If you dont wanna stay just give the menu back.
Also, if you do sit, the proper thing to do is leave at least a dollar on the table... if you order drinks, make sure you pay for them! You took up the table that could have gone to someone else. Now someone has to clean and reset the table.
2006-08-13 03:34:57 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No it is not rude at all. A restaurant is a place where you buy food or ambiance. If you decide the place is not for you for whatever reason, you can leave. As long as you haven't ordered, it is okay.
I also don't believe it is necessary to order something or lie. I think lying is poor etiquette. There was no harm done. You can leave with a clean conscience.
Even if you made reservations, it isn't that big of a deal. Any good restaurant can find someone to take that table. You have no obligation to buy until you place the order.
2006-08-13 03:40:25 · answer #3 · answered by Kitiany 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like your bf is more concerned with his honor than financial responsibility. Business is business, the restaurant will not even remember your presence the moment the next couple is seated in your place.
My husband and I once sat down in a restaurant that did not have any prices listed next to the entrees. When we asked we were told not to worry about prices and money, it was all in the experience. We then requested that at least one meal's price be revealed so we knew what we were talking about; we had no problem leaving after we found out that spaghetti was $32!!
Also, I have worked in the restaurant industry. It is a fast moving business; the only customers that stand out are regulars or those that make a scene. If you get up quietly and walk out, no one is going to remember, trust me.
2006-08-13 04:13:00 · answer #4 · answered by 4 Eyes 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's out-of-the-question to leave without ordering anything, if you're been taken by surprise by the prices on the menu. But for your part, it would be preferable (when possible) to research the menu/prices beforehand, to avoid this problem.
Before you leave, you might consider ordering a couple of drinks, or an appetizer, if you feel the need to order SOMETHING. Otherwise, as long as you've left your table clean, you could simply apologize to your server, and say you've been called away.
2006-08-13 03:39:45 · answer #5 · answered by jvsconsulting 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many up scale resturants have an online menu, if not when you go in ask for a menu at the front. This will give you a chance to check it out before going to all the trouble to, possibly wait, get seated then, inconvience yourself and the staff. because you think it is too high. No it is not rude to be polite and leave if it does not fit your bugdet or taste.
2006-08-13 03:46:25 · answer #6 · answered by robug 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a big supporter of etiquette but not to the point of personal harm.
With the prices of everything escalating more rapidly than anyone's paycheck can, sometimes you just have to do, what you have to do.
You could always say that you received an emergency phone call and are terribly sorry but you have to leave. You could also leave a $5 courtesy tip to alleviate any guilt that you have. I think you are doing the right thing to go, to sit and seethe waiting for the bill is not an enjoyable evening out.
I don't think it's all that necessary to be honest with your server--it doesn't change anything anyway, so I'd just make up a headache or other ruse, and vamoose.
2006-08-13 03:37:31 · answer #7 · answered by Lori 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If they don't have some sort of menu as a guideline posted at the door then you shouldn't worry about walking out. Remember, they're the ones who are in the service industry.
And even if they do, don't be embarrassed to look at the menu and just tell them you've changed your mind.
2006-08-13 03:36:13 · answer #8 · answered by Dessy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most people know what kind of restaurant they're going to befor ethey sit down. Smart people who walk into a restaurant, perhaps on the spur of the moment, ask the hostess to look at a menu before being seated.
2006-08-13 06:38:48 · answer #9 · answered by misslabeled 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you made reservations, it would be bad form to leave.
It is your money so whatever decision you make in regards to spending it is fine. However, you should be able to judge what you are getting into in regards to a restaurant's prices by external cues such as: what kind of neighborhood is the restaurant in (is it next to a country club or K-Mart?), have you heard any remarks about it (from your boss or your cousin?), what kind of vehicles are in the parking lot (Mercedes or Yugo's?), how are the people dressed entering (expensive or street clothes?), how are they listed in the phone book (full page ad or one line?), reservations or walk-ins, valet or street parking?
If you learn to judge then the situation about leaving won't be an issue.
2006-08-13 03:42:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋